Depay backs Lyon for Europa success

Lyon forward Memphis Depay admits he is frustrated by being cup-tied for the Europa League but has backed his teammates for a successful campaign.

The £22 million January signing from Manchester United scored his first goal for the club in their recent 4-0 win over Nancy in Ligue 1 but has to watch from the sidelines in the round of 32 – when Les Gones take on AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening.

His brief cameo's for the Red Devils earlier this year has ruled him out of contention for manager Bruno Genesio but the 23-year-old was keen to offer his new side advice ahead of the first-leg tie in Alkmaar.

"It's a real shame that I can't play in the match against Alkmaar because I didn't play much with Manchester this season, in the Europa League," Depay told OLTV. "I have to accept the rules and support my teammates.

"I've played against them a few times. They're a good team in the Dutch league but they're not in the top three. We, therefore, need to go there looking for a win.

"I will tell them to play as best they know how. By being aggressive in winning every ball and winning this match," the Netherlands international added.